AsDhurandharcontinues its historic box office run,crossing the Rs 700-crore mark, the spotlight has turned not just to its stars, but also to the storytelling choices that made the film stand out. Actor Saumya Tandon, who played Ulfat, the wife of dacoit Rehman, in the Aditya Dhar directorial, has now spoken about why she believes the filmmaker has “done Indian cinema a favour” with the film.

Best known to television audiences as Gori Mem fromBhabiji Ghar Par Hain, Saumya has been receiving praise for her striking turn inDhurandhar. Reflecting on the film’s impact, the actor credited Dhar for breaking away from industry habits that prioritise formulas over fresh storytelling.

“Aditya broke a formula that many people are afraid to break,” Saumya said in an interview with Faridoon Shahryar, adding that his approach madeDhurandharstand apart in a crowded cinematic landscape.

Clarifying that her admiration goes beyond personal association, she said, “I really want to say this, not just because Aditya cast me in the film, but because this will always be a very special thing for me. Aditya has genuinely done Indian cinema a favour.”

Saumya pointed out howDhurandharchallenged the industry’s tendency to rely on familiar faces. “When everyone is chasing formulas and the same five actors, how will new art be created?” she asked. “Aditya showed that you don’t need to follow that pattern. That’s why we need more filmmakers like him.”

According to the actor,Dhar’s biggest strengthlay in his unwavering commitment to the story. “He built the entire film around the script and stayed true to it,” she said. “He cast and produced the film according to what the story demanded.Dhurandharproves that good content always works. If the story is strong, everything else follows.”

She also took a swipe at the growing emphasis on popularity and social media metrics in casting decisions. “People keep talking about platforms, followers and where someone comes from. I don’t understand that mindset,” she said. “There are good actors and bad actors, nothing else matters. When you cast uniquely, without worrying about numbers, that’s when real magic happens.”

Directed by Aditya Dhar,Dhurandharhas not only rewritten box office recordsbut also sparked conversations around content-driven cinema. The film hit theatres early December and continues a glowing run.